North Brentwood Better Block Public Art Project

North Brentwood Better Block Public Art Project

Mural 1: Title: Nicholas Location: PGAAMCC, 4519 Rhode Island Avenue

Nicholas Saunders Plummer

This portrait is of Nicholas Saunders Plummer and is rendered from a Plummer family photo taken in 1899. Nicholas was the son of Adam Francis and Emily Plummer and was a coachman and farmer. The Plummer family were among the early settlers of North Brentwood. The history of the family has been traced to the early 18th century in Prince George’s County and is one of triumph and perseverance. The Plummer family history is chronicled through the diary of Adam Francis Plummer, who tells the story of his family’s experience through slavery, The Civil War, emancipation, and freedom.

Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center

The mission of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center is to celebrate and inspire the Community through the cultivation, preservation and presentation of the cultural and artistic contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The building now known as Baby Dee’s Guest Club was first constructed in 1912. It was originally constructed as a grocery store in North Brentwood, the 1st incorporated African American community in Prince George’s County. The building came to be known as “Sis’ Tavern” during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Local residents remember when the tavern was a well known social attraction that hosted performers such as Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey. In 1978, Sis’ Tavern was reopened as “Baby Dee’s Guest Club”, which remained in business until approximately 1996. Owned by local African American residents, the property was an important commercial and social culture in North Brentwood, first as a grocery store and later as a tavern. It is still a recognizable landmark in the community.

Opened in 2009 and located in the North Brentwood Municipal Center, The Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center was carefully planned and designed for those aged 60 and over. The center features a large multi-purpose room, a dining area, a lounge with regulation-sized pool table and game tables, a computer lab, and a massage room, making it easy for patrons to and plenty of interesting things to do. The Center offers a variety of activities including clubs, classes, educational programs, workshops, trips, and special events. Activities include a Mahjong Club, a book club, the Bon Appetite International Cuisine Club, health seminars, and health screenings, among many more! Come out and make new friends, learn new skills, see new sights, and experience so much more! A computer center is also available to browse the internet or communicate with family and friends. New seniors are welcome to join the fun!

Gwendolyn T. Britt (1941-2008)

Gwendolyn T. Britt was a mother, civil rights activist, and civil servant. As a freedom rider in the 1960’s, she spent 40 days in jail for sitting down in a whites-only waiting room in a train station in Mississippi. She was also arrested for riding a segregated merry-go-round in Glen Echo Park. Mrs. Britt became a successful business-woman and community leader. She also served on the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee. She was elected to the Senate in 2002, where she exhibited strong leadership on issues such as education, healthcare, and civil rights.

The Gateway Community Development Corporation (Gateway CDC) drives economic revitalization along the U.S. Route 1 corridor through business and neighborhood development initiatives that includes promotion of the arts as a community-building strategy. In collaboration with multiple partners, Gateway CDC works within the communities of Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Mount Rainier, MD to ensure the success of the entire Gateway Arts District. Gateway CDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in North Brentwood, MD, in Prince George’s County.